Today is Monday. He gets up early and sits with the heaps
of newspapers that he had collected yesterday as kabaadiwaala, to make paper
envelopes. He has to deliver them today in the market. People say, there’s a
ban on polythene bags.

It’s 9:30 am already. He gets ready and keeps the
arranged paper envelops in a cotton bag. Then hoists his school bag on his back
and heads for the market, hoping to be on time for his school.

There are some problems in life but he is grateful at least he has got his right to education.

Honestly speaking, I didn't find first few pages interesting. But as the story progressed it gripped my interest till the end.

Ex, with a tagline 'A twisted love story' is indeed a twisted love story! The story revolves around Neel, an aspiring author, who meets Nivrita, commissioning editor of a leading publishing house in Jaipur Literary Festival. She says she is Neel's 'Ex' but Neel doesn't remember a single thing about this girl.

Although, Neel is in a very stable relationship with Titiksha, her girlfriend and living-in partner, he finds himself strongly attracted towards Nivrita.

Nivrita makes a tempting offer to Neel which he can't refuse. In this new journey with this mysterious girl Neel finds himself jumbled in some mysterious situations that gradually unfold some surprising and shocking reality about Nivrita, Titiksha and his own life.

Umm...the overall story is dramatic and many of you may find it unrealistic but the best part of this story is it's excellent execution that makes it a wonderful read. The author has managed to carry the suspense till the end very skillfully that you may want to finish it in just one go.

If I talk about negatives, then apart from few initial pages, that I found a bit dull and confusing, I didn't like the manuscript portion. Leafing through some pages, unfortunately, didn't make much difference. (In my case, it could be the font also. Yes, it disturbs me if the font is not nice. It's in courier font. I think it could have been done in italics). There are 2-3 printing mistakes.

Over all, it's an interesting blend of romance, suspense, murder and mystery. It's an interesting and engrossing read! I highly recommend this book to all the fiction lovers especially those who like reading romance and suspense.

I remember, once in my childhood, I saw a mosquito sitting on the mosquito repellent,when it was on. It was weird and funny but then I realized that the mosquito had enough power to resist the effect become immune to that particular product.

Since my childhood, when I had been introduced to the word "Immunity", I had considered myself a person with strong immunity. The reason is simple. I don't fall ill generally. I don't remember myself seriously ill as a child (Touchwood!).

In simple words immunity is having power to fight infections and resist the unfavourable effects of environment.

I think health is happiness and peace resides in good health and for good health, immunity is the key! And we all want our children to be strong and healthy.I was not fond of green vegetables in my childhood. My mom used to make rolls of cooked palak and stuff in my mouth. With crinkled face, I had to gulp it down. We also used to have Amla and sometimes Chirata soaked water and chyawanprash!. I enjoyed licking full scoop of Chyawanprash, especially in winters. I still remember that red and white pack of Dabur chyawanprash! Chyawanprash is an ayurvedic blend of natural ingredients, packed with nutrition. It's good for skin, hair, body growth and memory. It improves immune system and helps fighting against germs and unhygienic surrounding.

I have seen some girls who hesitate to
apply cosmetics or even some natural product on their face as they fear their
skin will get rashes. Thankfully, I'm never worried about choosing the right soap or
cosmetics. Actually, I don't use them much, as I run to my kitchen for
my skin remedies. Kitchen is a wonderful haven of nutrients and natural remedies. However, even if I use any different soap/face wash or
cosmetics, my skin accepts them well. Thus, I can say my skin has great
immunity!

One of my cousins always suffered from headache or stomachache or nausea or dizziness and he used to keep medicine for every ailment and used to pop them when problem occurred. I try keep your children away from medicines for every minor ailment (Of course you should consult your doctor if any health problem persists longer). Nature is loaded with many vibrant colourful assets having medicinal values. I prefer to go natural. Taking too much medicines for every minor health problem reduces your immunity. Let your body fight for itself.

Nature is the best healer! Being natural can do wonders.

Some people/children tend to get affected by every little things. They don't have immunity to endure environmental changes. They get upset stomach, cold and cough after the minutest changes in their lifestyle. Allow your children to explore. Let them expose themselves to the changing environment/lifestyle/eating habits. Don't stick strictly to regulars only.

In India, obesity in children is a growing problem. Obesity invites several diseases and it has a direct effect on our immune system. Regular workouts or yoga, and brisk walk are some wise ideas to keep yourself fit. But mind it, stay in the limit when you exercise. While disciplined workouts make you fit and boost your immunity, overdoing vigorously can deplete it. Encourage your children for physical activities apart from their famous video game and cartoons.

Actually, immune system is very much related to our eating habits, nutrition and lifestyle. So have a wholesome and balanced diet that includes lots of veggies, fruits, yogurt etc. Be strict when your children just want to have fast food and chips. Make a green and natural environment in your home. Make a habit to drink a good amount of water everyday.

Our sleep has a great connection with our mental and physical fitness, so if our sleep is disturbed, it definitely affects the immune system. Make sure you and your family sleep nicely for at least 7-8 hours daily. Try to maintain the harmony of your home and live a stress free life.

Come on India, get a better lifestyle, go natural, stay fit and be IMMUNE!

'15th November' is a very special date in Indian cricket as on this date Sachin Tendulkar played his last inning and on this very date, 24 years back, Sachin made his debut.

When Tendulkar arrived on the ground, to play the last match of his career, and the way the team members of West Indies and umpires greeted him warmly, made me nostalgic and a bit emotional.

That moment took me many years back....

When, one day, my friend told me that "There's a new cricketer 'Sachin Tendulkar' and he is awesome!"

When I saw his photo for the first time.

When, while returning from school, I saw a notebook hanging in a shop. There was a young boy standing in it with a bat and it read 'Sachin Tendulkar'. I went to have a close look, then, inexplicably bought it. It stayed with me for a long time, always, and saw me following, enjoying and cherishing everything about him.

When, like everyone, I fell in love with him!

When, everyone knew I was an ardent fan of Tendulkar.

When I saw him biting his nails and felt good that we both shared this habit and I shouldn't be scolded for that.

When I pasted a large poster of Tendulkar in my room even though I hate sticking celebrity posters on walls.

When, one fine Sunday, I heard everyone calling me fervently. Clueless and confused, I went to the room where everyone was gathered (Still calling me) in front of the television. A tall man was talking to a lean, meek young boy. The young boy was Sachin Tendulkar and the programme was "Cricket with Mohinder Amarnath".

When with my newly developed interest in cricket, I used to get up @ 3 a.m in the month of February to watch the 1992 cricket world cup and my uncle helped me understand the game.

When I felt nervous when Tendulkar was on strike, and silently prayed for his big score.

Sachin Tendulkar is a passion. He is a feeling. An Era! There is no replacement for Sachin.

Actually, my interest in cricket burgeoned with Sachin Tendulkar and it seems to diminish with his retirement. These days, I don't watch cricket much (Except Sachin's innings. Of course I watched every bit of his last inning!) but it's hard to believe that the master has finally said goodbye to international cricket and his incredible fan following.

But, I don't want to say goodbye to him. I don't want to miss him. I just want to stay in the trance that I got into....many years back!

In this book, almost every story is poignant and beautifully written. My favourite stories are (Although all the stories are nice) Clip and Cane (Brilliant writing by the author!), Gecko on the Wall and The Gola Master (Touching!) and Hoopsters (Engaging!).

If well written and well executed, a simple story can be interesting. Happy Birthday, Shoulder Blades and The Message are the perfect example for that!

Friends is a poignant story but I found it a bit scattered. For me the ending of The Bailout was unexpected and slightly odd. Rest of the stories are nice. The only negative thing in this book, for me, was Dented and Painted Women. I didn't find it interesting.

The best thing about this book is it's writing style! Neat, Crisp and interestingly natural. You find yourself flowing with it! Happy Birthday is the first short story collection I finished like a novel and liked it a lot! Characters, setting and situations are so natural and identifiable that you feel yourself attached to them.

Overall, for me, it was a delightful read! I strongly recommend it to every fiction lover, irrespective of the genre. And yes, waiting for Meghna Pant's next book.

I'm a published author. I've seen my name printed in various magazines before (You can see my published work HERE). But this is different. Actually different.

Recently, I came across a writing contest by Vinit Bansal(General Press) for second series of bestselling anthology "Uff Ye Emotions". I submitted my story. After 5 days I got a congratulations mail from Namrata who blogs @ Privy Trifles , a really nice writer (Already published in two anthologies) and a really sweet person. Yes, my short story got selected to be featured in "Uff Ye Emotions 2" and I got a mail of congratulations before I knew it! Thank you Namrata for being a part of my happiness!!

Here, I'm sharing with you the book-cover of my maiden anthology.

It's really nice and bright and vibrant! Isn't it? Can you see my name on the cover? It feels really...really nice! I'm happy and excited!:)

'TDTS' is a collection of 12 horror/ghost/paranormal Indian short stories, carrying different background and era. Stories are, I would say, not scary but interesting.

My favourite stories in this book are "Secret of the Photograph" and "Her Unkept Promise". They have very interesting end. I think, the author should have elaborated "Her Unkept Promise" a little more. I wanted to know the details but it seemed that the story was moving in fast forward pace. Still this story is very interesting with startling end! "Burn the Old Papers" is a typical ghost story (As we see in serials and films) and is interesting and engrossing read.

I didn't like the idea of tree being a ghost in the first story "The Peepal Tree of Lachmangarh" I found it childish and not so interesting as an opening story should be. The title story "The Disappearance of Tejas Sharma" is a simple story, somehow insignificantly elaborated. The stories "Valley of the Dead" and "Lost" are very short that they fail to trigger your fear or excitement (Not even if you read them in absolute loneliness of eerie night as the author has suggested). The author says that "Begunkodor Ghost Station" is a true story. I think yes, as I have seen the dramatized version of this story in a horror show on some channel (I don't remember).

The book-cover doesn't represent any story in this book but is very nice for this genre. As a debut work, it's a nice attempt by the author. I really liked the narration that manages to the hold the grip and compels the reader to finish the stories.

The most negative thing about this book is it's price. The book is just 83 pages long, priced Rs. 250.

Overall, considering the genre, for me, it was a nice and quick read! If you are interested in this genre (And you can ignore the price) you should grab this book for a quick interesting read.

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About Me

Tarang Sinha

I am a freelance writer and author of We Will Meet Again, a contemporary romance. My works have been published in Good Housekeeping India, Child India, New Woman, Woman's Era, Alive, and a best-selling anthology @ Uff Ye Emotions 2.